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Supernatural Review: "The French Mistake"

After seeing the previews for this episode and hearing about how “meta” it was going to be, I wasn’t sure how I would receive “The French Mistake.”

I enjoyed similar episodes like “Changing Channels” and “The Monster at the End of the Book” for their ability to poke fun. It’s always nice to see mentions of the fandom, as well as recognition that the show doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Sure, Supernatural is a show about brothers that fight demons, ghosts, monsters, and every other type of evil being. Yet, it also thrives on its cleverly written humor, references, and the fan base that tunes in week after week.

So, yes, Dean, we do care about watching a television show about your lives. It’s fascinatingly entertaining.

Of course, some people may have found this episode terrible because of its diversion from the current season’s plot lines. Frankly, I didn’t mind.

As much as I enjoy the mythology and general core of the show, I do appreciate the chance to take some time off and allow Supernatural to mock itself and tip its hat to the dedicated fans. There were so many little nuances and inside jokes, that I’m pretty sure I’d need to watch it a couple times to pick up on all of them.

The scene that made me laugh the hardest was when Sam and Dean attempted to act. Dean tried to find his mark and put on an extremely serious face, while Sam awkwardly spoke his lines and tried not to stare into the camera. It was perfect comedy. Even the way everyone around the brothers couldn’t believe what was going on, added to the hilarity.

Then there was the ever enjoyable Misha Collins who got a chance to stretch his acting range by playing Misha Collins as an ugly sweater wearing, Twitter maniac who simply wanted to be Jared and Jensen’s pal. It was great to see him “acting” his deep growl of an Angel voice, as well as squeal in frightened panic.

The jokes about Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelecki, who play Dean and Sam, occurred throughout most of the episode. YouTube videos of Jensen’s soap star days, giant photos of Jared on horseback, the idea that in real life they are vain, overly rich, and pretentious, were only a few of the many self referential jokes.

Jared’s real life wife, who played the character of Ruby, showed up to play Jared’s wife in the episode. Confusing? Not as confused as Sam and Dean were in trying to put the pieces together. It was a nice touch.

Even the members behind the camera jumped in the line of joke fire. Making fun of Bob Singer for naming a character after himself, Eric Kripke getting gunned down (along with what seemed like everyone), and the general production of the show took the behind the scenes reality of the show to a whole new level.

Overall, this was a fantastic episode that utilized its humor efficiently for a fun fan look at Supernatural. I’m all prepared to return to the monster storylines, but breaking the fourth wall for one episode was worth it.

What were some of your favorite moments or what made you think Supernatural should have avoided this meta episode? Sound off below.

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Debra Yanni•February 26, 2011 15:32

This was by far the best show I haven't laughed like this still laughing thank you

charmed•February 26, 2011 15:32

This was a horrible episode. In fact this entire year has to be their last. I don't know what happened to their writers and management but someone obviously gave up. I'm a huge fan of Supernatural and have all of the seasons DVDs and just don't understand why they are ruining the show.

Renee•February 26, 2011 15:22

I loved it!

Jennifer•February 26, 2011 15:22

I LOVED this episode. I havent laughed that hard in a pretty good while. The "trying to act" was hilarious as were the scenes with the props (the knives, dean's car..)......I absolutely love how the show made so much fun of itself and everyone associated with it. Great idea. well-executed. Can't ask for much more than that effort.

Kenya•February 26, 2011 15:16

Last nights episode was awesome. I loved everything about it and I agree it was a nice break from the doom and gloom of their everyday, monster chasing/killing lives. There were too many funny scenes! Dean and the make up, Sam and the wife, them trying to act. Amazing!

CÃ¨ moi•February 26, 2011 15:14

The line `at least they are talking again' was said a lot on last nights episode.Why was that? Where they realy not speaking in real life or was that just a joke?

Tracy Ricca•February 26, 2011 15:01

I LOVED this episode. I accidently deleted it as I wanted to watch it again .. boo hoo for me. I watch all reruns also. LOVED LOVED this episode. CLASSIC ~~~

Stacy A White•February 26, 2011 14:57

Kripke biting the dust was the best. Because how many times, as fans, have we wanted to shoot (hang/torture/maim) the little bastard ourselves? LOL

Producer: Well, we can clean up, reset the window. Takes about 95 minutes, basically, so we have to blow off the scene where they sit on the Impala and talk about their feelings.Bob Singer: Ha! Right. You answer the hate mail.